Michael Caine is thrilled to be racing in a full championship once more after agreeing a deal to compete in the British GT Championship.

Newmarket driver Caine, who won the title in 2012, will race in the GT4 category with the Team HARD-run Autoaid/RCIB Insurance Racing team.

He will share a Ginetta G55 with gentleman driver Mike Newbould so will look to pass on his expertise to his less experienced team-mate in the coming weeks and months.

“It should be really interesting,” said Caine. “I’m racing with a guy I haven’t seen race before but as soon as we get the car I’m sure we’ll be testing and seeing what can be done.

“The most important thing is to get him up to speed. If we can make him fast we’ll have a good chance in the championship.”

Caine spent part of last year racing for Team HARD in the British Touring Car Championship until a back injury put him out of action.

His back has now improved and Caine is very much looking forward to his British GT campaign.

“Last year was the first time in 26 years that I didn’t race in a full championship,” said Caine.

“It’s great to be racing in a full championship and I think GT4 is going to be the future of GT racing. Manufacturers are all making GT4 cars now. The cost of running GT3 cars is so expensive nowadays I can see it becoming the future of GT racing.”

Caine and the team will look to put together an extensive testing programme before the British GT Championship gets under way at Oulton Park on April 15.